States of Becoming

The seventh AURORA Biennial takes place this year from November 4–21 in Dallas, Texas. Curated by Julia Kaganskiy and Tairone Bastien under the theme States of Becoming, it responds to a moment of profound transformation⁠—from the climate crisis and the rise of artificial intelligence to the erosion of democratic norms. In the midst of this, it aims to offer space for collective calibration—a means of sensing where we are, together, before deciding where to go. In a moment saturated with future-oriented promises and existential dread, it aspires to something quieter but no less urgent: an opportunity to remain with the present long enough to understand what kind of shift is underway and to consider who we want to become.

From November 4–20, the Biennial will activate Dallas with a program of events, including performances, lectures, and artist-led experiences. Unfolding for the first time over three weeks, it reflects AURORA’s ongoing mission to expand access to the arts while helping shape a more connected, creative, and culturally ambitious Dallas. On November 21, the Biennial will culminate in a free, citywide outdoor exhibition across three iconic Dallas locations⁠—Dallas City Hall, the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, and the AT&T Discovery District⁠.

For this extended edition, the Biennial features a program developed in partnership with institutions and organizations including Dallas Contemporary, Nasher Sculpture Center, Keith House, Thoma Foundation, and Cedars Union, among others. Highlights of the event program include a presentation of work by Monira Al Qadiri, performances by Eva Papamargariti, and a lecture series bringing together artists, curators, technologists, and cultural thinkers to examine the themes addressed throughout the Biennial. See the full program here.

International in scope and representing the leading edge of contemporary art, the Biennial brings together artists whose work is shaping the global conversation on the evolving relationship between art, technology, and society.

Presenting artists include: Monira Al Qadiri, Zach Blas, Eduardo Cassina, Melanie Clemmons & Zak Loyd, Josh Kline, Ksawery Komputery, Ezra Masch, LaJuné McMillian, Lauren Lee McCarthy, Christopher Meerdo, New Red Order, Trevor Paglen, Eva Papamargariti, Make Art with Purpose, Diana Rojas, Illeana Sisk, Sasha Stiles, Emilija Škarnulytė, Tramaine Townsend, Theo Triantafyllidis, Eric Trich, Derek Tumala, Holly Veselka, Amelia Winger-Bearskin, Saya Woolfalk

Through site-responsive installations, performances, new commissions, and community-engaged projects, the featured artists explore transformations taking place all around us and reflect on the experience of living through change. Their works span AI and computational poetry, generative art, immersive media, experimental film, digital performance, public art, ecological futures, and technology-driven installations.

With AURORA intentionally centering both its 2026 Biennial graphic design and culminating exhibition on Dallas City Hall, the States of Becoming theme is particularly meaningful. Designed by I.M. Pei, Dallas City Hall has long been one of the city's most recognizable civic landmarks. Today, its future is the subject of an ongoing public debate over whether the building should be renovated, repurposed, replaced, or ultimately demolished. AURORA is not attempting to resolve that debate. Instead, it is using the building as a platform for artists and the public to consider what a city becomes when places that define it are in transition. By placing contemporary art at the center of debate, AURORA turns the city into both subject and canvas.

For press inquiries, please contact Christine Rogers.